Mad Monster Parties in LA

A couple of cool Halloween happenings in Los Angeles next weekend I thought you should know about. Both related to Rankin-Bass’ classic stop motion animated feature Mad Monster Party. First up, a gallery show and book signing at Van Eaton Gallery in Sherman Oaks. 70 artists interpret the classic film, including animation people like Alan Bodner, Bill Morrison, Eric Pigors, Harry Sabin, Kali Fontecchio, Pascal Campion, Pete Oswald, Shane Prigmore, Spike Brandt and many many more. For a full list of participating artists, please visit the Van Eaton website. Opening night party on Saturday night October 13th, 6pm-10pm, includes a book signing by Rick Goldschmidt, who wrote the cool behind the scenes book on the Rankin-Bass feature. Costumes are not required, but are always strongly encouraged!

The next day, Sunday Oct. 14th at 3:30pm is the Haunted Hullaballoo. This program, taking place downtown at the historic Bob Baker Marionette Theater (1345 W. 1st St.), is hosted by Screen Novelties (one of LA’s premiere stop-motion studios) in conjunction with The Cinefamily is a goofy, ghoulish mix of creepy cartoons, vintage scary safety films and madcap musical shorts — along with Halloween puppet performances from the legendary Baker troupe, a kooky monster-making workshop, and an actual screening of the Mad Monster Party? itself. It promises to be a blast… more info over here.